In-Country Technical Assistance

The WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC) Secretariat has created six Knowledge Hubs worldwide, to support Parties to implement the Convention. The Economics of Tobacco Control Project, based at the University of Cape Town (UCT), was asked to host a Knowledge Hub (KH) on Tobacco Taxation and Illicit Trade (Articles 6 and 15 of the FCTC). The KH aims to support governments with Articles 6 and 15 of the WHO FCTC through targeted training opportunities, direct technical assistance, and by producing appropriate tools and resources (e.g. through a web platform). This work is performed within a partnership network with other stakeholders, and by developing a community of practice with other Knowledge Hubs. Read this page to find out more about the UCT KH in-country technical support and how to apply.

About the In-Country Technical Assistance

The Knowledge Hub network provides technical support to individual countries on issues related to tobacco taxation and/or illicit trade. Support can be provided by the core knowledge hub team, or by members of the Knowledge Hub's global network. This often takes the form of assistance in the development and implementation of priority projects that are initiated as part of the Knowledge Hub workshops/training programmes. Rather than simply offering Parties a means to outsource technical expertise, the Knowledge Hub focuses on building capacity - helping governments and civil societies to develop relevant internal capabilities. Such support could involve: tobacco tax simulation modelling, reporting writing, best-practice advisory etc. The Knowledge Hub will provide follow-up support to training course participants - primarily in the form of technical support on priority projects that are initiated / contributed to as part of the training course.

Eligibility

The UCT KH was established in agreement with the WHO FCTC Secretariat. The intended services of the UCT KH are to provide support to Parties that have signed and ratified the FCTC. Therefore, priority will be given to these Parties. Please note that applications will be prioritised as follows:

Direct government capacity building: Capacity building for members of Ministries of Finance or Health.

Indirect government capacity building: (this includes NGOs with strong ties with their Ministry of Finance or Health).

Non-governmental capacity building: NGOs without strong ties.

UCT KH in-country technical missions are identified and approached directly by the Knowledge Hub, in consulation with the WHO FCTC Secretariat and WHO Regional Offices. However, if you would like to be considered for attendance, please see below for information on how to apply.

If you have any specific questions, please contact us at admin.kh@uct.ac.za, or view this list of FAQs.

How to Apply

Evidence of government support/political will to implement tobacco tax policies in your country. This can be in the form of a letter from the relevant minister, director-general or other relevant government employee.

Applications must be emailed to the both KH manager at admin.kh@uct.ac.za, and the KH director at director.kh@uct.ac.za , using the subject line "UCT KH in-country technical assistance application".

Once your application is submitted, please allow the UCT KH two weeks to confirm your eligibility and whether you will be considered for in-country technical assistance.